Addressing Cancer Screening Disparities in Little Haiti, Miami, USA: A Literature Review on Barriers and Solutions

TL;DR

This paper reviews barriers to cancer screening in Little Haiti, Miami, and suggests solutions like reminders and outreach to improve access for underserved communities.

Contribution

The paper identifies culturally specific strategies and gaps in addressing cancer screening disparities in Little Haiti.

Findings

Screening rates in Little Haiti are below national averages due to socioeconomic and cultural barriers.

Reminder systems and self-administered HPV tests are effective in improving screening adherence.

Programs like NHELP integrate education and preventive care to enhance access.

Abstract

Breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers pose significant health risks to women, with early screenings proven to reduce mortality. However, disparities in screening adherence persist, particularly in underserved communities like Little Haiti in Miami. This review examines screening rates in Little Haiti, identifying barriers to adherence and evidence-based interventions to improve participation. Screenings significantly reduce cancer mortality. Despite these benefits, screening rates in Little Haiti remain below national averages. Socioeconomic and cultural factors, including language barriers, misconceptions, and limited health literacy, further hinder adherence. Effective strategies identified in this review to address these disparities include reminder systems, self-administered human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, and targeted outreach. Programs like Florida International University’s Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NHELP) initiative improve access by integrating preventive care with education. However, research gaps remain in evaluating culturally specific interventions. Future studies should explore native-language education, mobile screening units, and technology-driven solutions to enhance adherence. This review highlights the need for targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to life-saving cancer screenings in underserved communities.

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